Research Services

Research Ethics and Integrity

Recombinant DNA Research

Facility Certification

Notifiable Low Risk Dealings and contained Licenced Dealings must be conducted in certified facilities by trained and experienced personnel. All facilities used for housing GM animals or GM plants need to be certified. Certified facilities are identifiable by the mustard (PC1) or orange (PC2) OGTR certified facility signage and purple biohazard sticker on all entrances to the facilities. The level of containment and type of facility required for your genetic manipulation work will depend on the kind of dealing(s) you undertake.

Do you need to locate a certified PC1 or PC2 facility at La Trobe? (PDF 95KB)

Certification of a Facility

To prepare for certification:

1. Download the certification requirements and checklist for the facility type of level.
2. Ensure the facility meets the OGTR certification requirements.
3. Ensure the facility records and personnel training records are current and available for inspection.
4. Contact the GMSC to organise a facility inspection.
5. Obtain a detailed floor plan for the facility and provide a copy to the GMSC Secretariat.

Physical Containment Level 1 (PC1)

NLRDs suitable for at least physical containment level 1 must be conducted in a certified PC1 facility or higher. Annual inspections are not required for certified PC1 facilities however the facility and personnel working in the facility must continue to comply with certification conditions.

Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2)

NLRDs suitable for at least physical containment level 2 must be conducted in a certified PC2 facility or higher. As a condition of certification, all PC2 facilities are inspected annually by the GMSC to ensure certification conditions and behavioural requirements continue to be met. OGTR inspectors may inspect certified facilities without prior notice. Facilities that fail to remain compliant with certification conditions risk suspension or surrender of certification.